Talent First

A banker by profession, Karachi-born, Qatar-based Shehzad Bhanji launches his debut album, ‘Never Say Goodbye’, with his innovative guitar style making this 11- track album almost a mandatory primer for ’10s guitarists, with its ever changing chord progressions and Shehzad’s use of harmonic minor scales and, often, his improbably quick picking techniques, including the effective sweep-picked arpeggio [a sort of cross between strumming a chord and picking each note individually]. From the frenetic – such as “Rockin’ Blues” – to the quiet – like “Together Forever” or “Coming Home” – this album has talent written over it. Welcome to the Asian guitar age courtesy of Shehzad Bhanji.

A banker by profession, Karachi-born, Qatar-based Shehzad Bhanji plays guitar on “Never Say Goodbye”, the title track of his debut album, providing impressive and effective guitar work, and shooting an endless stream of fiery licks that are both technically impressive and soulful. “Never Say Goodbye” – based on “experiences that Shehzad has gone through over the years” – is a beautifully moody guitar instrumental on which he, as the song suggests, effectively shifts from tender to tense [within seconds], keeping the listener involved through a combination of six-string talent, and a sense of dynamics. Occupying a well-worn instrumental space with a potent fusion of melodic blues power and hard rock may not be an easy space to be in, but that only goes to reiterate Shehzad’s comfort in composition and calibre. “Never Say Goodbye” is smooth and original, and succeeds due to Shehzad’s talent, enthusiasm, and no-frills approach, which should augur well for his debut album.